Thwip, thwip! As we swing into a brand-new year, I just want to start by wishing everyone a very Spidey-themed Happy New Year. It’s been an incredible year for Spider-Man comics, and honestly, a really meaningful year for me personally writing these reviews. Week after week, Spider-Man has been there — whether it was through epic battles, heartbreaking moments, or quiet character studies — and getting to reflect on those stories has been something I truly treasure.
And fittingly, as the year closes, another epic series comes to an end.
This is the final review of the year — and what a wild one to go out on.
Predator Kills the Marvel Universe has been building toward this finale with brutal intensity, and as a longtime fan ever since Spider-Man first crossed paths with the Predators in his solo series, I knew from the start that this was a story I had to follow through to the end. This finale delivers on scale, chaos, and spectacle — even if it leaves the door cracked open for more carnage down the line.
PROS
Spider-Man as one of the last heroes standing
One of the biggest strengths of this issue is how important Spider-Man feels. He’s one of the last remaining heroes still alive and fighting — and while he doesn’t suddenly turn into a killer, he absolutely makes his presence count.
This issue really reinforces something fundamental about Spider-Man:
Spider-Man saves lives.
Even in a world overrun by Predators, even surrounded by death and destruction, Peter sticks to his core values. He helps where he can, protects who he can, and never loses sight of what makes him Spider-Man. That idea lands beautifully here — saving lives is the Spider-Man thing to do, no matter how dark things get.
Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Iron Man teaming up
Seeing Spider-Man team up with Wolverine and Iron Man is always a treat, but this issue takes it to the next level. Iron Man stepping in and giving both Wolverine and Spider-Man their own powerful suit upgrades is pure comic-book fun in the best way.
For a brief moment, Spider-Man and Wolverine feel like Iron Man–level powerhouses, armored up and ready to take the fight directly to the Predators. Spider-Man’s new suit in particular looks incredible — sleek, intimidating, and extremely effective. It’s yet another epic suit upgrade, and it fits perfectly within the insanity of this story.
Kraven’s spotlight — brutal, poetic, and tragic
Kraven’s role in this issue is surprisingly emotional. He gets a true spotlight moment, and his death is both shocking and strangely beautiful. It’s brutal — no doubt about it — but it feels right for the character.
Kraven himself even acknowledges it:
It was a good death.
What makes it even more powerful is how, even as the world is being torn apart by Predators, Kraven is still romanticizing his eternal hunt for Spider-Man. Amid all the chaos, his thoughts return to Peter — the one hunt that truly defined him. And ultimately, that obsession is what leads him to his end at the hands of the Predators.
It’s tragic, fitting, and unforgettable.
Sue Storm — underestimated at their own peril
One of the biggest surprises of the issue is Sue Storm. The Predators severely underestimate her — and it turns out to be one of their biggest mistakes.
Sue proves herself to be one of the most dangerous threats they face. She fully unleashes her power, reminding everyone just how terrifyingly strong she really is when pushed to the edge. It’s incredibly satisfying to watch her flip the script and become a major force against the Predators.
Art and tone — pure Predator energy
The art throughout this issue is fantastic. It genuinely feels like a Predator story — something that could easily translate to TV or the big screen. The brutality, the atmosphere, the alien menace — it’s all there.
The writing matches that energy perfectly. It’s fast-paced, relentless, and never boring. The issue moves with urgency, keeping the tension high from start to finish.
CONS
A finale that feels a bit too quiet
The only real downside is that the ending lands a little lighter than expected. It doesn’t quite feel like the massive, decisive victory you might expect from a series finale. There’s a sense that things have paused rather than fully concluded.
That said, the final pages clearly hint that this is the end… for now. With more seemingly planned for 2026, it’s clear some things were intentionally held back. I was expecting a bigger final punch — but that also means there’s more to look forward to next year.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Conclusion
Predator Kills the Marvel Universe #5 is a strong ending to a bold, brutal, and well-built series. Spider-Man shines as a symbol of hope and humanity, the team-ups are epic, Kraven’s final moments are haunting, and Sue Storm proves why she should never be underestimated. While the finale doesn’t completely close the book, it sets the stage for what’s clearly still to come.
As the year wraps up, this feels like a fitting final review — a reminder of how wild, creative, and emotionally engaging comics can be. Let’s celebrate the holidays, appreciate the incredible stories we’ve gotten this year, and look ahead to what’s coming next. If this series is any indication, the Marvel Universe — and Spider-Man — still have plenty of surprises left in store.
English (US) · 